The Cyber Ascension Arc 3 — The Battles Of New York | Volume 3 | Chapter 26: Morning Bonds & Laughter
Blue Realm — Awazen Training
The pale blue moonlight stretched across the foggy, ethereal terrain of the Blue Realm. Mist curled around the jagged, high-tech ruins like ghostly snakes. Awazen's silhouette stood tall, his long black and purple hammer resting lightly in his remaining hand. The other arm, missing from the fierce battle against Nashino, did not slow him. His determination radiated like a cold, cutting wind.
Awazen: "Hm… this time… I will make him pay. I will make him die."
His deep voice echoed faintly through the mist. Every swing of his hammer sent ripples across the ground. Sparks of ethereal energy lit up the edges of the hammer as he trained tirelessly, ignoring the pain of his missing limb. Each strike was precise, calculating, and filled with deadly intent. The Blue Realm itself seemed to hum around him, as if acknowledging the tension in his resolve.
The shadows danced around his feet as the mist thickened. Every breath, every swing, every step was a promise—a warning to Nashino, and a silent challenge waiting to be fulfilled in the near future.
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Earth — Peaceful Night
Back on Earth, in a far quieter realm, the chaos of New York was replaced by serenity. The night was calm, and the soft silver light of the moon filtered gently through the curtains. In a small, cozy room, Nashino lay snuggled against Youchina, his head resting comfortably on her chest. One arm wrapped around her waist, the other loosely draped across the bed. Youchina's hand moved slowly through his messy black hair, stroking it with affectionate precision.
Nashino: "Soo warm… Youchina."
Her soft chuckle resonated through the room like a quiet melody.
Youchina: "Yeah… that's what a bond is. It doesn't need words. Just small affections, quiet moments… warmth… that's enough to show what we feel."
Her voice was calm, gentle, and yet carried a depth that made Nashino feel an unspoken serenity.
Nashino: "Yee… Yes, you're right."
His lips curved into a tired but genuine smile. The faint scars on his arms and bandages around his hands were a testament to yesterday's brutal battles, but in this moment, nothing else mattered. It was just them, the soft rhythm of breathing, and the gentle intimacy they shared without a single word needing to be spoken.
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Other Rooms
In another room, Yuzurei and Shinoki shared a small futon. Yuzurei, ever energetic, had already sprawled out across half the mattress, snoring loudly with an exaggerated puff of air, his mouth slightly open. Shinoki, cheeks glowing red, lay next to him, awake, staring at his face with a mixture of exasperation and silent amusement.
Shinoki: "Yuzu-kun… you'll choke…"
Her soft whisper barely disturbed the air. Yet, Yuzurei's loud snore only grew in response, prompting a slight blush on Shinoki's face. Still, she carefully tucked the blanket around him, affectionately smoothing down his messy hair.
---
In the next room, Emily and Jin Yuan were already asleep. Jin Yuan lay with his massive katana resting against the futon beside him, breathing calmly. Emily's warm presence beside him, the gentle rise and fall of her chest, made him feel a sense of home that he rarely allowed himself to embrace.
Musukoni, on the other hand, occupied his room alone. The faint moonlight reflected off his pale face as he stared at the ceiling, arms crossed, a slight pout lingering on his lips.
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Morning — The Chirping Symphony
The next morning, the sun rose slowly, painting the sky in delicate shades of pink and gold. The cheerful chirping of birds filled the air, creating a harmonious melody across the forested area where the group had taken refuge.
Yuzurei was the first to wake, leaping out of bed like a human cannonball.
Yuzurei: "SOMEONE COOK!!!! I'M HUNGRY!!!!!"
Shinoki, her cheeks glowing like embers, stumbled out from the futon, gently tugging at his sleeve.
Shinoki: "Yuzu-kun… um… I'll cook today!"
Yuzurei: "YEAH!!! DO IT!!"
---
Meanwhile, Jin Yuan rose quietly. His calm demeanor was contrasted by Emily's bright warmth.
Emily: "Come on, Yuan. I'll cook for you too. What do you think?"
Jin Yuan: "…Yeah."
Inside, his mind raced. He acted calm, but his heart was light, a rare warmth spreading from the thought of tasting her cooking.
Jin Yuan (thinking): "I'm actually… excited."
Emily grinned knowingly and headed for the kitchen.
---
Nashino: "Ya… Youchina."
She turned, their eyes meeting. She already knew.
Youchina: "I understood."
She smiled softly and followed him to the kitchen.
Musukoni, however, pouted and crossed his arms.
Musukoni: "Why am I single again?"
Shioinkin appeared, his presence commanding yet playful.
Shioinkin: "What's the problem, dear? You have me!"
He blew a playful flying kiss.
Musukoni: "Yak! That's my worst nightmare!"
The room erupted in laughter. Nashino literally fell to the floor, tears of mirth in his eyes. Yuzurei fell over laughing as well, and even Jin Yuan allowed a tiny smile to crack through his stoic demeanor.
Musukoni: "Stop laughing!"
The laughter continued, filling the space with warmth.
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Breakfast & Affection
Finally, breakfast was ready. Shioinkin placed a steaming bowl of soba noodles on the table.
Shioinkin: "Eat up, my boy! My special recipe, straight from the heart!"
Youchina sat beside Nashino, chopsticks in hand.
Youchina: "Say 'ahh'."
Nashino: "Ahh."
She carefully fed him a bite of noodles, the steam curling up around them like a protective cloud. Nashino's eyes sparkled with both gratitude and mischief.
Jin Yuan tasted Emily's cooking.
Jin Yuan: "…This is actually… good."
Emily beamed, nudging him softly.
Musukoni ate while pouting, clearly still pretending to be bitter about his single status.
Yuzurei: "TASTY!!! SHINOKI!"
Shinoki, cheeks flaming, gently wiped the drops of broth from his face.
Shinoki: "Th-thank you…"
Laughter, warmth, and a sense of belonging filled the room, weaving together all the scars, exhaustion, and battles of the past into a single comforting moment.
---
The Scene Beyond Words
Outside, the forest swayed gently under the morning sun. Birds continued their songs, the air filled with the scent of dew and fresh leaves. Inside, bonds were renewed, hearts were lightened, and every glance, every small gesture, carried a message that words could never fully capture.
Nashino rested his head lightly on Youchina's shoulder again, her fingers entwined with his. Across the table, Yuzurei and Shinoki exchanged shy smiles, Jin Yuan and Emily shared quiet laughter, Musukoni slowly chewed while pretending to sulk, and Shioinkin looked on, proud and satisfied.
The morning wasn't just a meal. It wasn't just laughter. It wasn't even just warmth.
It was peace—a fragile, precious peace, earned through struggle, trust, and affection.
And for a moment, all the chaos of New York, Blue Realm, and the battles that awaited them seemed a world away.